[center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/231116/b356da26fceccb813bae2fee371a5a98.png[/img][/center]
addressing: Bianca and Lucas,[@Hero] Theobald[@Xiro Zean], Ionna[@Mcmolly] Dominika[@Abstract Proxy] Hollyhock[@OwO][hr]

Justinian stood before Lucas' tirade with barely a twitch, rubbing some of the fatigue from his eyes as he continued to use the dining chair for support. If the Prince wanted to waste time talking about hypotheticals, that was his choice, but the Scion of Earth had done his part in 'entertaining' the topic, and he just wanted the point of this meeting to actually be made. 

Thankfully, once Lucas had gotten his need to insult and berate off his chest, he finally got to the heart of the matter. 

The Scion of Earth kept his thoughts to himself as he listened to the prophecy in full, his brow furrowing as it went on from the well-trodden words he'd read a hundred times into something less comforting and much more concerning. His mind turned to the night in the snuggery, to Rosemary's talk of a 'golden lady', to the child's strength of character. . . but also to the horror of the events that had preceded it. No child should ever be witness to such things, yet given the ekusive nature of their foe, Justinina wasn't sure they'd be able to stop another attack like this from happening.  

[color=darkorange][i]The Incepta had chosen Rosemary for a heavy burden indeed, it seems. . . And a rather dim star for the rest of us to stand behind. [/i][/color]

Justinian had not missed that part of the prophecy, and while he was not one to question the Incepta's words, he could not help but find Lucas a poor man for this job, especially when compared to what came before. This prophecy at least explained why someone as opposed to Scionhood as the Prince had seemed the day of his coronation, but Justinian couldn't help but find him lacking, even setting aside his own bias for a moment. His temper was on a hair trigger, and he seemed to treat most pushbacks with vitriol or dismissal in equal measure. Could he learn to overcome these deficiencies? Potentially.

But would they be given the time for that to happen? Justinian didn't think so, given that the last attack happened four months after Theodore's disappearance. Even if their next play isn't as explosive as the last, they hold the cards and secrets in this game, and all they can do is watch and wait.

[color=darkorange][i]Frustrating.[/i][/color]

These thoughts and more swirled in his mind, especially in regards to this Termina figure mentioned, but he decided not to focus or share them. He did not like Lucas. He did not respect Lucas. What he could respect was that, even if it is due to duress and threats to those close to him, he is taking the duty of being a Scion seriously. So the least Justinian could do is not question his suitability for the role in front of the others, at least not now when everyone was calling for a united front.

When the topic moved from vague futures to the more actionable present, however, Justinian's eyes lit up at the talk of monster activity in Lorenzia, particularly around the Riva del Garda. Despite himself, a smug grin took hold of his face for a moment at the talk of the church needing the help of Scions to deal with such a task. Years of being told off for assisting in this very thing, and now they finally concede when he's 4 years out of practice. If not for the serious threat that a monster nest near the border posed, he might've started laughing at the irony of it. 

Once he'd restrained the feeling of schadenfraude, however, he focused his attention on the details the prince had provided and found himself in agreement with their conclusion. 

[color=darkorange][i]Harpies were not a particularly dangerous, intelligent, or subtle type of monster, so the appearance of a nest that could harbor enough to threaten a prepared Templar garrison seemed hard to believe, as they'd have gotten reports of attacks far before that point. If there was an Alpha or some variant of Harpy involved, they'd have likely reported that info as well so-[/i][/color]

[color=firebrick]"I shall lead the charge against the monsters that have settled upon the border, if that does not trouble you, Your Highness."[/color] Justinian was shaken out of his analysis of the situation by the voice of the old giant, his eyes shifting towards the Scion of Fire at the same time that the soldier looked towards him.  [color=firebrick]"Gardner. You are coming with me."[/color]

Justinian felt his jaw tighten at the older Scion's tone, as if the psychopath had any right to command him to do anything. But he let the irritation wash over and through him, focusing instead on the future. The sound of trees rustling through trees, the rushing of the river current, and the feel of grass and soil beneath his feet. Freedom and nature, two things he had been craving for years, especially in the last few months.

[color=darkorange]"I was going anyway, gramps. No need for the gruff act."[/color] Justinian stepped away from the chair, his thoughts still running on overdrive, as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, typing in some quick searches about the area in question to see what the rumor mill was churning in towns near the mentioned region. [color=darkorange]"If we pass by my home on the way back, I could potentially take a few specialized tools, though the Templar station should also have a stock Probably better maintained ones too; it's best to wait till we get there. Rope, harpoons, and weighted nets would be best, but those can be tough to drag around. . . "[/color] 

He paused, looking over both Theobald and Ionna with a quick once over before going back to his notes.

[color=darkorange]"We can probably afford the nets with you two."[/color] 

The Scion didn't spend much time listening to anything else that was said as he mentally catalogued his knowledge of the monsters in question while digging through the notes he had on hand. Well, copies of his notes. He had several monster books and journals at home, but he had them digitized a while ago for occasions like this. It could probably do with some updates, especially if this turned into a more regular duty of his. A potentially fruitless thought, but one he was hopefull for if this excursion went well.

That said, he had not totally shut out his other Scion's, however, as he (with some difficulty) pulls himself from his studies to address Dominika and Hollyhock.

[color=darkorange]"I wish you both the best of luck with your on task. I hope the both of you stay safe and uh. . . Holly hock, I'll be sure to finish my piece of the Gift Ham on the way. Haven't had much an appetite lately, but gotta eat if i'm going monster hunting."[/color] Despite himself, Justinian couldn't help the grin that made it's way to his face as he grabbed the plate of ham that Sara had cut for him taking a quick bite as he went back to his notes. [color=darkorange]"I'll try to give you a gift when we meet up next? Maybe a necklace or a bracelet themed after whatever occurs?"[/color]

Giving a nod to the two Scions. Justinian suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion take him as he went back to leaning against the chair he'd been sat at. He managed to mask it well enough as just resting his arm against the chair as he searched the web, but he could feel his fatique really starting to get to him. Between the early frutration and now his almost giddy antipation, it was proving too much for what little energy reserves he'd had left today.

[color=darkorange]"Dame Bianca,"[/color] Justinian addressed his templar for the first time since they'd arrived, though he couldn't bring himself to glance in her direction. [color=darkorange]"You're familiar with Harpies, right? Have you been to Riva del Garda before? Know any of the other templars stationed there?" [/color]